Catalytic Battery Vent Gas Conversion for Thermal Runaway Fire Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack assemblies face challenges in preventing thermal runaway and fire propagation due to the generation of highly flammable gases, which are not adequately addressed by prior art methods.
Innovation Solution
A fire prevention device comprising a particulate filter, mixing chamber, converter, and gas scrubber is integrated into the battery pack assembly. The device filters ejecta, mixes flammable gas with oxygen, and uses an oxidation catalyst to convert the gas into inert gas through a chemical reaction, with an oxygen supply ensuring the reaction's efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal runaway occurs in battery cells, then heat generation increases beyond dissipation capacity, but fire risk and thermal propagation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful flammable gas produced during thermal runaway into a beneficial inert gas through catalytic oxidation. The converter uses a catalyst to oxidize flammable gases (CO, H2, hydrocarbons) into harmless CO2 and H2O, transforming the fire hazard into a safe state while managing the thermal event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere by converting flammable gases into inert gases through catalytic oxidation. The converter ensures that the exhaust gas composition becomes non-flammable and safe, effectively creating a protected inert environment that prevents fire propagation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flammable gas is generated during thermal runaway, then fire risk increases, but conversion to inert gas requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple safety functions into a single integrated device: the fire prevention device combines a particulate filter, mixing chamber, and converter with oxidation catalyst into one unified system. This integration reduces the number of separate components while achieving both particulate filtration and flammable gas conversion functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter serves multiple functions: it converts flammable gases to inert gases, manages thermal energy through exothermic oxidation reactions, and works in conjunction with the particulate filter to provide comprehensive exhaust treatment. The oxidation catalyst performs both chemical conversion and thermal management roles.
3Reliability
If oxidation catalyst is used to convert flammable gas, then fire prevention efficacy increases, but oxygen supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is designed to draw ambient air automatically to supply oxygen for the oxidation reaction. This self-service approach eliminates the need for active oxygen generation systems, using passive air intake to provide the necessary oxidizer for converting flammable gases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents battery pack fires by converting flammable gases into inert gases, reducing fire risk and eliminating ignition sources, while also removing toxic residues.
Implementation Method 1
The converter includes an oxidation catalyst that converts the flammable gas to an inert gas by a chemical reaction
Implementation Method 2
The converter includes an oxidation catalyst that converts the flammable gas to an inert gas by a chemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
The particulate filter is configured to receive flammable gas from a battery pack housing and to filter ejecta from the flammable gas exhausted from the battery pack housing
Implementation Method 4
Each channel wall includes a porous material
Implementation Method 5
The oxygen supply includes a chemical oxygen generator (COG)
Data Source
AI summary
A fire prevention device is provided. The fire prevention device includes a particulate filter, a mixing chamber, a converter, and a gas scrubber. The particulate filter is configured to receive flammable gas from a battery pack housing and to filter ejecta from the flammable gas exhausted from the battery pack housing. The mixing chamber is fluidly coupled with and configured to receive the flammable gas from the particulate filter. Additionally, the mixing chamber is fluidly coupled with an oxygen supply. The converter is fluidly coupled with and configured to receive the flammable gas and oxygen from the mixing chamber. The converter includes an oxidation catalyst that converts the flammable gas to an inert gas by a chemical reaction. The gas scrubber is fluidly coupled with the converter. The fire prevention device is coupled to the battery pack housing.